3 ways to challenge depression

Inspired by a blog post I read earlier today (https://wordpress.com/read/post/feed/14175/869963918), it reminded me why I started this blog in the first place and the purpose behind writing articles on improving lifestyle. The article, if you haven’t had a chance to read it already, is about depression and the reality of coping with this illness. Written in a succinct poetry format, the writer expresses how depression is vs. the hollywood portrayal of being in a depressed state.

Despite the fact that there are many reasons for depression, both environmental and biological, there are always those ‘environmental’ aspects that can make a situation better or worse. I’ve listed some examples below that can exacerbate low mood or feelings of depression:

1. Problems in relationships

Arguments

Emotional abuse

Physical abuse

Manipulation tactics

Controlling partners

2. Issues at work

Working in a negative environment

Having critical managers or staff in senior positions

Lack of acknowledgement

Excessive working hours

Feeling uncertain whether this is the profession for you

3. Financial problems

Paying for bills

Keeping up with payments

Debt

If you’re experiencing any of the above challenges, it is completely understandable that you would be feeling low or even depressed at times. However, there are many ways that you can address the challenges of depression.

Things that have helped me in the past include talking, finding things to care about and pushing through difficult situations.

3 ways to challenge depression

1. Help yourself to heal your relationship

Problems in relationships are usually born out of a break down of boundaries and respect. If the relationship is still meaningful to you, then it’s worth investing some time in learning about how to re-establish boundaries so that both of you are respecting each other. Your journey towards achieving a happier relationship may be difficult at first. It’s tempting to try and get your partner on board and address the issues together. However, this isn’t always possible. Sometimes, you have to take a leap and figure out what you need on your own. This doesn’t mean that you have to separate from your partner indefinitely. But it’s important that you create some distance in order to get back to who you are, what you want and what it is that you will, and won’t accept.

2. Value your assets

Issues at work can be challenging to overcome. So many of us rely on an income from work to keep us going financially. However, if the situation has become untenable, you need to move on. Begin looking at other options. There are plenty of opportunities out there, so don’t limit yourself if you’re unhappy. By all means, you can leave in a good way that honours your committments to the organisation, company or wherever you happen to work.

Please keep in mind that you are an asset. No matter how you may have been made to feel at work, you have qualities and skills that they were looking for. That’s the reason they employed you in the first place. It is becoming all too common in our society that excessive hours are the ‘norm’ and a work life balance is considered a novelty.

Remember that you were born with your own purpose and have the right to be happy. If work is making miserable, use this as an opportunity to move onto another place that will value you for the talented person that you are.

3. Develop a rich mindset

So many wealthy people today have struggled financially in the past. Cutting back on big purchases or small regular purchases (e.g. if you regularly buy expensive coffees, pre-packaged meals) can help to save money in the long run. However, if you are already cautious with your money and still struggle to make ends meet, this can be a highly frustrating experience. It’s important to keep your goals in mind and keep your focus off of money as much as possible. What you do today affects your tomorrow. By developing small money saving habits and working towards business or career goals, you are getting closer and closer towards a wealthier, more successful lifestyle.